Unlocking the Potential of Groundwater for the Poor (UPGro), is a new seven-year international research programme which is jointly funded by UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). It focuses on improving the evidence base around groundwater availability and management in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to enable developing countries and partners in SSA to use groundwater in a sustainable way in order to benefit the poor.

Borehole drilling is relatively underdeveloped in Sierra Leone compared to other countries in West Africa despite its potential. An eight-month project “Tapping Treasure: Cost-effective boreholes in Sierra Leone” supports: (i) government and NGOs to develop their capacity to manage borehole drilling and (ii) drillers to manage risks. The project will contribute to increasing the demand for boreholes, reducing the cost of drilling and improving construction quality.

RWSN Library

AuthorARMSTRONG, T.

Year of Publishing2009

PublisherRWSN

Institution

Code of Practice for Cost-Effective Boreholes: Zambia Country Status Report 2009
Final Report 1st November 2009

Description:

It is recognised that drilling interventions vary widely both nationally and internationally and are not always cost-effective. The objective of this consultancy is to identify and set out key procedures for cost-effective boreholes as appropriate for Zambia.

The report considers the existing status of borehole drilling in Zambia. Chapter 2 reflects on the meaning of “cost effective” and key areas of concern are highlighted. Chapter 3 summarises borehole costs and prices in Zambia. Chapter 4 examines Zambian policies and practices with respect to the generic principles of the COP and the proposed structure of the “Guideline to Standard Procedures for Design and Construction of Protected Water Points” (Appendix 5). Headings in the report text include brackets which refer to the related numbered section in the proposed guideline structure. The Report text reflects on current practices, and recommends action for further consideration and inclusion. Recommendations are italicised in the text.